Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
Balanced Literacy is a framework designed to help all students learn to read and write effectively. The program stands firmly on the premise that all students can learn to read and write. This balance between reading and writing allows students to receive the teaching needed in order to reach grade level status, while allowing students to work at a level that is not frustrating for them. There are several models currently used in schools today.Back to Top
What model is used in your classroom?
The Literacy Collaborative is a model for teaching children in a child- centered classroom, providing many opportunities for real life reading and writing experiences. It is based on the research of Marie Clay, Irene Fountas, and Gay Su Pennell. Children read and write each day independently and in group settings (both large and small). Literacy Collaborative classrooms focus on four different types of reading experiences: Reading aloud to children Shared reading - whole class Guided reading - small group Independent reading Students also participate in shared and individual writing activities each day. The four types of writing experiences are: Shared writing - whole class Interactive writing - whole class Writer's workshop - small groups or individual Independent writing Additionally, during many daily reading and writing experiences, children are taught about letters, sounds, words and how they work. Listening and speaking are also emphasized in this integrated language approach. All experiences meet Ohio State Standards for Language Arts Instruction. Teachers implementing the Literacy Collaborative use an integrated approach to teaching language arts. The Literacy Collaborative framework for literacy lessons consists of a number of elements that provide massive amounts of reading and writing on a daily basis. These authentic opportunities for reading and writing are arranged on a continuum based on more or less teacher support. Some reading and writing tasks are modeled by the teachers and others are accomplished with the support of the teacher, leading to a few that are done independently by the child.Back to Top
Why do I not see many papers sent home?
Our classroom is based on many different types of reading/writing activities and most of the activities are hands on. Your child will be practicing the English language in a variety of ways that do not all require paper/pencil work. Because of this, it is extremely important that your child comes to school each and every day unless ill. If your child does need to miss school and your send a request for work missed, please be aware that there will be very little "make-up" work for this reason.Back to Top
What's all this about building stamina?
This summer myself, Mrs. Mitchell, and Miss Roberts attended a conference in Columbus titles the Daily 5. The Daily 5 is an instructional model that works on making children become independent learners. Each day your child will Read to Self, Write, and then have a choice of either Reading with Someone, Listening, or Word Work. In order for this program to be effective, students must first practice building stamina to insure they can function independently. While your child is practicing independently, this gives me time to work with small groups of students to instruct them on their reading level, as well as work 1 on 1 with students in Reading and Writing.Back to Top